Quick facts
| Botanical name | Commiphora wightii (C. mukul) |
|---|---|
| Other names | Indian bdellium |
| Part used | Resin from the bark |
| Common forms | Purified (shodhita) resin in tablets, usually combined with other herbs. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Bitter, pungent |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Light, dry, sharp |
| Potency (virya) | Heating |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Pungent |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Kapha and Vata; reduces fat (lekhana) |
Traditional uses
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Obesity and high cholesterol
- Gout (Vatarakta)
- Swellings and glandular enlargement
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Results for cholesterol are conflicting — one well-conducted trial found no benefit and a slight rise in LDL. Small trials suggest possible benefit in osteoarthritis.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disease unless supervised
- Bleeding disorders or before surgery
- Liver disease
Possible interactions
- Thyroid medicines
- Blood thinners
- Some heart medicines (propranolol, diltiazem) — may lower their levels
- Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy
Side effects
Skin rashes, stomach upset and headache. The wild plant is critically endangered from over-harvesting — choose cultivated, licensed sources.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Guggulu is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.